Writing

Lew Wallace students will focus on different types of writing throughout the school year. The types of writing that our students will learn are:

Descriptive Writing- A good description paints a vivid, word picture for the reader.

Expository Writing– Writing that explains. Explanation may involve giving directions or instructions, explaining a process or a device, explaining what something is, or explaining an idea.

Narrative Writing– A good narration tells a story. It can be real or fantasy and can take place in the past, present or future.

Persuasive Writing– The writer attempts to convince their audience to agree with their ideas and opinions.

Writing Tips for LWES Parents

In helping your child learn to write well, remember that your goal is to make writing easier and more enjoyable.

Provide a place. It’s important for a child to have a good place to write – a desk or table with a smooth, flat surface and good lighting.

Have the appropriate materials available. Provide plenty of paper – lined and unlined – and things to write with, including pens, pencils and crayons.

Allow time to write. Help your child spend time thinking about a writing project or exercise. Good writers do a good deal of thinking. Your child may dawdle, sharpen pencils, get papers ready, or look up the spellings of words. Be patient – your child may be thinking.

Respond. Do respond to the ideas your child expresses verbally or in writing. Make it clear that you are interested in the true function of writing which is to convey ideas. This means focusing on “what” the child has written, not “how” it was written. It’s usually wise to ignore minor errors, particularly at the stage when your child is just getting ideas together.

Make it real. Your child needs to do “real” writing. Encourage your child to write letters to relatives and friends. Have your child help you write shopping lists or other important things.

PRAISE! Your child will become a confident writer with positive encouragement.